Photo: Collected
The depression over the Bay of Bengal may gradually intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, the Meteorological Department said. The agency expects it may make landfall on 28 October (Wednesday). The information was given in a forecast signed by meteorologist Md Shahinul Islam on Sunday (25 October).
However, the department said the chances of the cyclone hitting the Bangladesh coast are very slim. In its view, it may cross the coast of Andhra Pradesh in India.
The forecast said the depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal moved south-eastwards and lay over the same area at 6am today (Sunday).
If it moves further south and intensifies, it may turn into a deep depression over the same area today. It may then gradually change course, move west/north-westwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm by 28 October (Wednesday).
The maximum sustained wind speed within 44 kilometres of the depression’s centre is now 40 kilometres per hour, rising to 50 kilometres per hour in gusts or squalls.
In this situation, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been advised to keep hoisting distant cautionary signal number one.
All fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
Background
Such a system was hinted at early in the month. The Meteorological Department’s long-range forecast for October said two to three low-pressure areas could form over the Bay of Bengal this month, one of which could turn into a depression or cyclone, bdnews24.com reported on 1 October.
At a glance
According to the Meteorological Department, signals from 1 to 11 are issued during cyclones. Of these, number 1 is the distant cautionary signal, number 2 the distant warning signal, 5 to 7 danger signals and 8 to 10 great danger signals, Bangla Tribune reported.
Signal number 11 is used when all communication with the signalling centre is cut off and the local official considers the weather to be dangerous.
Sources
Background sources: bdnews24.com, 1 October 2026; Bangla Tribune
